First real attempt at airbrushing, disappointed

[Guest]

I know most people have different "recipes" for thinning paint. I primarily use Tamiya & Lifecolor acrylic and Humbrol enamel. All of these I thin 2 parts paint to 1 part thinner, so in effect 66%/33% so I feel you may have thinned rather more than was necessary. Also I spray at around 15-25PSI so try different pressures. The most important thing to take from your first experience is a lesson - airbrushing doesnt come overnight. I've been at it for 10 yrs or so and still balls it up. The main thing is to learn something each time and have fun with it! Practice on a milk bottle or an old nackered kit - what is there to lose?

Hope this helps

Stuart

I started airbrushing in February and it took me to May before I could do it reliably. I now use 15 to 20 PSI, 0.4 mm needle, I thin Vallejo Model Air about 10% (9 parts paint, 1 part Vallejo Airbrush Thinner). I don't pull the lever back too far because it produces a spray that is too powerful and requires faster movement of the airbrush and the risk of flooding. I hold the nozzle about 4 inches away from the model. To avoid blocking and sputtering I find every session it is essential to thoroughly clean out the nozzle, and the passage leading from the nozzle towards the trigger using a small bottle brush sold for that purpose (unless you are doing a colour change when putting airbrush cleaner through until it sprays clean is OK).My family likes Sainsbury's or ASDA's lemonade in 2 litre bottles. These have a smooth surface to practice on. No need to prime. I did a huge number of practice sessions using those.

[Guest]

Interesting point using the screw on the quick release. The pressure indicator shows the pressure of the air coming from the compressor. Does the use of the screw regulator affect the pressure indicator. Or is it only showing the pressure of the air coming in to the regulator pressure indicator & not in the line after the regulator ?

Laurie

[Guest]

As far as I'm aware the gauge shows the line pressure. Turning the screw in stops me applying to much air pressure to the airbrush.

[Guest]

I checked up. My sparmax is 0.2 and cheaper freebie one is 0.4. I was under the assumption that a smaller nozzle meant greater detail or thinner lines in the correct hands.

[Guest]

So I suppose I have a decision to make. Thicken the paint and go over it again, paint it white then go over it red or strip the paint off and prime it white and then red. What is the consensus?

[Guest]

I'm a great believer in starting from scratch if you want a pristine finish.

If its just going to be played with then just spray over the top

[Guest]

Ok just spray over then, it's all part of the learning.

[Guest]

I bought some halfords white primer and gave it a quick coat. I might try painting it again if the kids go down early.